An Indian-origin liquor store owner and manager in New Zealand have been ordered to pay an Indian employee NZD 45,000 (USD 32,881) in damages over racial harassment. Mr Satnam Singh said that he suffered racial abuse, culminating in physical assault, while employed for two months at Scorpion Liquor in Aucland’s Mt. Roskill area, according to a news daily.

A court hearing the case said Mr Satnam was also paid less than the minimum wage, earning between NZD 6-7 (USD 4-5) an hour. Store manager Mr Shane Singh and his mother Raj Devi, who owns the business, have not responded to the claims yet. Mr Satnam Singh took the part-time job in January 2012 after coming to New Zealand on a student visa.

During his two months at Scorpion Liquordri, Mr Shane Singh frequently made references to “f...ing Indians”, and referred to Indian students as “Indian dogs”. The abuse climaxed on March 6, 2012, with Mr Shane Singh hitting Mr Satnam on the head with a clipboard, knocking off his turban and a cap he wore on top. He then told Mr Satnam Singh, “If I see you again, you’ll lose your turban and your teeth.” Mr Satnam Singh did not return to the store after the incident, the court said.

The defendants were ordered to pay NZD 45,000 in damages — NZD 10,000 higher than was sought — for humiliation and loss of dignity.